Due to the by-products produced from oil, the engine gets damaged. No matter how costly your oil is or your car is, it is bound to get damaged from these by-products. For a long-lasting engine, regular oil changes are crucial.

You can change oil in many ways. Two of the most popular methods are using an oil extractor or simply via the drain plug. Here we will discuss the pros of each method to reveal the most suitable to you.

 

Using an Oil Extractor

 

Overall, when using the oil extractor, it creates a vacuum (by manual or by the air compressors), which in turn sucks all the oil out from the engine. This is by far the cleanest process and it's not necessary to lift your car to do this work. With the oil extractor the car engine oil can be suctioned out very easily.

 

Pros

  • Easiest way to suction out engine oil
  • No need to raise your car.
  • No chance of oil leak
  • Simple and clean
  • The least tools required
  •  

    Tools Required

    1. Oil Extractor Pump

    2. Air compressor (if you choose to use pneumatic extractor)

     

    How to Use

    Step 1: To make the extraction job smooth and easy, evacuate the oil while it is warm (temperature between 35°F-175° F).

    Step 2: Remove the oil dipstick and insert the connected tube into the dipstick pipe until it reaches the bottom of the oil pan.

    Step 3: To create vacuum until the fluid begins to fill the tank to suck up every drop of oil.

    Step 4: Collect the used fluid to another container for recycling.

     

    Watch the video to know How to Use an Oil Extractor

    To compare the manual and the pneumatic oil, Read more>> A Guide to Choosing an Oil Extractor Pump

     


     

    Drain Oil via the Drain Plug

     

    The drain plug is a large screw or plug under the oil pan of the engine. Generally, you'll change all the oil in the engine, including sludge. It tends to accumulate at the bottom of the tank. The process can be quite messy if the drain is placed slightly incorrectly. Oil can miss its target and spill everywhere. It can be a frustrating process since oil is the most difficult substance to remove. Also, you will need to raise your car so that this process can take place.

     

    Pros

  • Quickest way to suction out engine oil
  • All the oil with precipitates gets drained out
  •  

    Tools Required

    1. Jack and jack stands or ramps

    2. Wrench to remove drain plug

    3. Oil filter wrench

    4. Oil drain pan

    5. Oil filter

    6. Replacement drain plug washer (depending on application)

     

    How to Use

    Step 1: Crawl under your car or jack up the vehicle to reach the oil drain plug.

    Step 2: Place a container under the oil drain plug. Make sure the container is large enough to catch all the oil.

    Step 3: Unscrew the oil drain plug to drains out of your engine into the container.

    Step 4: After drained every drop of oil, wipe the area around the oil drain plug.

    Step 5: Replace the old oil drain plug gasket and oil drain plug.

    Step 6: Collect the used fluid to another container for recycling.

     

    Watch the video to know How to Drain Oil via the Drain Plug

     


     

    Oil Extracting vs. Oil Draining

    Based on the above comparison, we could roughly compare oil extracting with oil draining. They both have advantages and disadvantages, depending on individual preference.

    If you want to get the job done quickly, then using the drain plug should be your preference. An oil extractor is a great tool for people who are clean and like to do their work on their own. But if the oil filter is placed underneath the car, then you will have to lift it up to get access. In that case, you might prefer using the drain plug.

    With the latest modifications, oil extractors have become a popular tool. With pneumatic extractors, you can remove almost all of the oil, including the sludge. Therefore, each of the tools has its own pros and cons, and the user must decide which one to use.